inclusion

Schools across the Rainy River District were visited this week by an author who cannot read or write, yet Michael Jacques has written two books based on his life experiences.

Michael has autism and intellectual disabilities, but it has not stopped him from being an advocate, volunteer and public speaker on issues of inclusion, diversity and compassion.

He was in the district, telling his life story to students, educators and community members, and illustrating that anything is possible.

“Things that are easy for other people are harder for me, but I just want to show that anything is possible,” says Jacques.

“People like myself, who are young, old, or somebody who has some challenges, to show that anything is possible with lots of hard work and dedication.”

Jacques says it started in his youth, taking part in a program that focused on inclusion and leadership that provided him the voice to speak out.

He says supportive parents, educators, and community agencies gave him the support and confidence.

He went on to compete in the Special Olympics several times, found employment at a grocery store, and was named 2019 Citizen of the Year in his community of FontHill, Ontario, west of Niagara Falls.

He became the youngest president of Community Living Ontario’s board of directors, and the only one with lived experience to advocate for others with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Former Education Minister Stephen Lecce appointed him a few years ago to a provincial advisory committee on special education.

“It was great. He knows I got my high school diploma. He knows that I wrote two books. He has both my books. And he’s a big supporter of me. It was great to have that support,” says Jacques.

Jacques is asked to make many presentations each year. His dad, Marcel, joined him on the tour across the Rainy River District.

This was their first visit, though they have visited other parts of northwestern Ontario in the past.

They have visited over 600 schools and made many more tailored presentations to business leaders, educators, and support agencies.

“I would suggest 60% of Michael’s presentations are for the educational sector, whether they’re students or staff support staff,” says Marcel Jacques.

“Twenty percent in the developmental sector service sector, so community living organizations and things of that nature. And then another 20% for other organizations that want to be inspired by Michael’s story.”

He is a regular visitor to Ontario Police College in Alymer, speaking to cadets about how they interact with people with disabilities and how they can get involved with community living agencies in the communities they serve.

“Michael’s probably spoken to over 12,000 police officers in the province of Ontario,” says Marcel.

“If you walk into any police station, even here in Fort Frances, and if there’s a police officer with less than seven years’ experience, they’ve heard his story.”

Michael strikes the word can’t from his vocabulary and focuses on ways he can do something. He encourages others to do the same.

“Never give up, anything is possible. Just because people say you can’t do things, don’t worry about that. Focus on all the things you can do, and the sky’s the limit. The only one that is stopping you is yourself.”

His books, which he used speech-to-text technology, can be found on his website. Click here.